Packaging Category Lead Europe

About AkzoNobel

Since 1792, we've been supplying the innovative paints and coatings that help to color people's lives and protect what matters most. Our world class portfolio of brands – including Dulux, International, Sikkens and Interpon – is trusted by customers around the globe. We're active in more than 150 countries and use our expertise to sustain and enhance the fabric of everyday life. Because we believe every surface is an opportunity. It's what you'd expect from a pioneering and long-established paints company that's dedicated to providing sustainable solutions and preserving the best of what we have today – while creating an even better tomorrow. Let's paint the future together.

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We are seeking an experienced and self-driven Category Manager Packaging with a strong focus on strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and spend management within a global context. A background in the packaging industry is a strong plus. Understanding the paint industry is also beneficial. This senior role requires the ability to work independently, with up to 10% travel in the EMEA region.

• Global Sourcing Strategy: Develop and implement global and regional category sourcing strategies, aligning with company objectives.
• Commercial Management: Lead all commercial activities, including contract negotiations, supplier selection, relationship management, and risk mitigation.
• Supplier Relationship Management: Manage key supplier relationships, driving improvements in quality, delivery, cost, innovation, and sustainability.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Serve as a key interface between the category and regional Packaging Technologist teams to optimize supplier innovation and support new product introductions.
• Project Management: Lead the development and execution of cost-reduction projects, ensuring alignment with category financial objectives.
• Market Expertise: Monitor and forecast packaging market trends, translating new developments into business opportunities.
• Supply Risk Management: Oversee supply risk management and resolve escalated supply issues.
• Leadership & Delegation: Delegate management of local and tail spend to regional procurement specialists as appropriate.
• Strategic Representation: Represent the category in cross-functional forums, such as Integrated Business Planning (IBP), new product introductions, and regional procurement programs.
  
  

Autonomy & Authority

• Decision-Making: Authorized to negotiate and contract with all suppliers within the category on behalf of the company.
• Strategic Planning: Independently develop and execute strategic plans, while collaborating closely with key stakeholders.

Additional Information

• Spend Management: Oversee a packaging spend category with a budget of €110M.
• Supplier Base: Manage a highly diverse supplier base with a focus on sustainability and price management.
  
  

• Experience: 10+ years in procurement, sourcing, or purchasing, ideally in the chemical, coating, the field of supply chain, or automotive industries. A minimum of 3-5 years in a senior management role, with experience in category management and strategy deployment.
• Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Science, Engineering, or Business Management. An MBA or CPM certification is preferred.
  
  

Skills:

• Strong technical understanding of packaging materials and processes.
• Proven ability to negotiate and manage supplier contracts at a senior level.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement strategic plans.

At AkzoNobel we are highly committed to ensuring an inclusive and respectful workplace where all employees can be their best self. We strive to embrace diversity in a context of tolerance. Our talent acquisition process plays an integral part in this journey, as setting the foundations for a diverse environment. For this reason we train and educate on the implications of our Unconscious Bias in order for our TA and hiring managers to be mindful of them and take corrective actions when applicable. In our organization, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age or disability.